Sowing & Growing

Sow indoors, January-February, 0.5cm (¼”) deep, in a tray of compost. Water well and place in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Keep moist. Seedlings usually appear in 14-28 days. Transplant 5cm (2″) apart to other trays, when large enough to handle. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions before planting out, March-April, into well-cultivated, fertile soil.

Or sow outdoors: sow thinly, March-June, in a seed bed, 1.5cm (½”) deep, directly into finely-prepared, well-cultivated, fertile soil, which has already been watered. Transplant 45cm (18″) apart when plants are about 10cm (4″) tall. Allow 60cm (2′) between rows. Plant firmly and water well. Sow successionally for continuous crops. Harvest: June-November.